Strattera can make you feel less impulsive, more attentive, and more focused. However, it may have some side effects that also change the way you feel.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
ADHD affects certain aspects of a person’s life. They may have difficulty managing their energy or maintaining attention, and they may also act impulsively. Their ADHD symptoms may interfere with their daily activities. Treatments for ADHD include therapy and medication, such as Strattera.
Although Strattera can help with a person’s ADHD symptoms, it can also have some different side effects. For example, it may change your mood or how you sleep.
This article discusses what Strattera is, Strattera’s side effects, and whether the drug makes you feel calmer. It also discusses when to take Strattera.
Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication. It works by
If you have ADHD, doctors may first
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to work than stimulants. They may also not be as effective. However, they may be a suitable treatment option if:
- you’re not having improvements with stimulants to treat your ADHD
- you prefer not to take stimulants
- you can’t take stimulants
- you have bothersome side effects from stimulants
- you find nonstimulants easier to tolerate
A doctor may prescribe you Strattera together with stimulants. They may also prescribe other therapies or medications, such as antidepressants. Or they may prescribe you a combination of these treatments.
Strattera is an effective treatment that’s generally well tolerated by people taking it. However, it does have some side effects, some of which are more common than others. A healthcare professional will weigh the risks and benefits with you before prescribing Strattera.
Some common side effects can include:
- headaches
- insomnia
- nausea
- hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating without heat or exercise)
- dry mouth
- decreased appetite
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- constipation
- delayed ejaculation and priapism (a persistent and painful erection)
These side effects may be temporary. However, if your side effects persist or become severe, talk with your doctor.
Some serious Strattera side effects can include:
- urinary hesitation
- urinary retention
- behavioral changes
- suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents
- severe allergic reaction
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Note: These aren’t all the serious side effects associated with Strattera. For more information on Strattera and side effects, read this article.
Doctors will closely monitor you for side effects or other changes in behavior after you start Strattera.
If you develop serious side effects or have worsening mental health symptoms while taking Strattera, call your doctor right away.
If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Can Strattera make you sleepy?
Yes, Strattera can make some people sleepy.
The drug may affect your sleep, which may cause you to feel sleepy or drowsy. Also, the drug’s side effects may vary from person to person. Some people who take Strattera may experience sleepiness or drowsiness as a side effect of the drug.
If you have questions or concerns about Strattera and are feeling sleepy or drowsy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can Strattera affect your mood?
Yes, Straterra can have an affect on your mood. The drug may cause mood changes, such as:
- anxiety
- agitation
- panic attacks
- irritability
- hostility
- aggressiveness
- impulsivity
- mania
If you have questions about new or worsening mood symptoms or have mood changes that are bothersome or interrupting your daily life, talk with your doctor.
If the mood changes seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
It’s possible. Research suggests atomoxetine, the active ingredient in Strattera, may help lower anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
If you have questions about how Strattera may help relieve anxiety symptoms or make you feel calmer, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Typically, Strattera is taken as:
- one dose in the morning
- two doses evenly divided:
- one in the morning
- one in the late afternoon or early evening
Your doctor will help you determine the best dosage and time to take Straterra. It may take
If you have questions about which time of day to take Straterra, talk with your doctor.
Are there benefits to taking Strattera at night?
There may be.
Researchers
Talk with your doctor about the best time to take Strattera.
Strattera is a nonstimulant ADHD medication. Doctors may prescribe Strattera alone or in combination with other ADHD treatments and medications. It can help improve your focus and attention, as well as help reduce how impulsive you feel.
However, Strattera has some side effects associated with it. These can vary from person to person, but the drug may make you feel sleepy or can change your mood. To help manage your ADHD symptoms, be sure to take Strattera as prescribed.
If your side effects get worse, suddenly start to affect your mood, or interfere with daily activities, be sure to talk with your doctor.